Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart

by Niamh McAnally

“A truly brave, enriching memoir that will take you on a global adventure.” –Liam Neeson

In her honest and heart-warming memoir, writer and adventurer Niamh McAnally shares the story of her liberating journey from being unemployed, homeless, and divorced in her fifties, to embarking on a global quest to find purpose through volunteering and ultimately finding a profound love that changed her life.

From volunteering for marine conservation projects on remote islands in Belize, Vanuatu, and Tonga, to exploring exotic destinations like Bora Bora, Palau, Fiji, and St Barths, Niamh takes readers on a captivating journey where each destination unveils a layer of her self-discovery. An encouraging read for the dreamer in each of us, you’ll learn about unique cultures, dolphin research, turtle conservation, and coral reef protection. And be prepared for the most unexpected love story when she is selected as crew for a solo sailor in the Bahamas—a project that was only supposed to last a month but will now last a lifetime.

While telling the story of one woman's quest for meaning, Following Sunshine also serves as a roadmap for the rest of us, inspiring us to awaken to the potential that lies within and choose a path truest to our being. Perfect for fans of adventure travel, romance, and anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment through giving back.

Genres: Memoir, Travel, Nonfiction, Romance, Adventure

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Niamh McAnally, known as The Writer On The Water, is an Irish-born Award-Winning author, keynote & corporate speaker and former TV director. An avid explorer with a penchant for volunteerism, many of her stories are inspired by her world travels on land and at sea.

Her first book Flares Up: A Story Bigger Than The Atlantic, foreword written by Jeremy Irons, was nominated for The Sunday Times Vikki Orvice Award and is a favorite among book clubs. It tells the inspiring story of why two middle-aged men rowed a 20ft wooden boat 3,000 nautical miles across The Atlantic Ocean, how it affected their families and how the experience changed them as human beings.

Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart is Niamh's personal story about growing up in a famous theatrical family in Ireland, her travels to remote islands and exotic locations as a volunteer, and the profound love story she embarked on at the end of the ocean. This memoir will be released in September 2024.

Liam Neeson said, "Gripping and heartfelt, Niamh's beautifully written memoir unfolds with warmth, courage and a touch of cinematic magic...A MUST-READ for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper connection to the world."

Niamh has been interviewed on national television and radio. She is published in various newspapers and magazines and offers behind-the-scenes presentations to book clubs who choose to read her work. Niamh is a guest speaker on Celebrity Cruises in the Beyond The Podium series.

Niamh loves to encourage other writers on their journey and teaches Writers Workshops in person and online. She is also the founder of an international writer's group and has curated an anthology of their short stories due out in May 2025.

Reviews

[Cathy Avenancio · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Following Sunshine" not only captures the essence of McAnally's personal journey but also resonates universally, encouraging a journey of self-examination. As you turn the pages, you're invited to revisit your own childhood memories, reconsider their impact, and understand how they’ve influenced the person you’ve become.

Through its beautiful imagery and introspective narrative, "Following Sunshine" puts you firmly in McAnally’s shoes, making her reflections feel both personal and universally relatable. This memoir is a testament to the power of storytelling in understanding ourselves and our pasts, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOLLOWING SUNSHINE
Niamh McAnally

From the suburbs of Dubin to Florida and many places in between. Niamh’s book is a sweeping narrative and I loved every word of it.

Niamh, a TV director, left Ireland and began an adventure that would take her around the world. From Florida to Fiji, Vanuatu Island, Kenya, Lapland - too many destinations to mention. A few years in Guernsey - where she discovered Volunteering - left her jobless and homeless. Picking herself up and dusting herself off in typical Niamh fashion, she set off to live her best life. And she is certainly doing that !!

Niamh takes the reader with her all the way. I was watching the Aurora Borealis, I was swimming in the coral reefs, I was there with the JellyFish and the Giant Manta Rays. I felt her pain when she was in Kenya and got word that her beloved Mother had died. I was with her when she put a baby turtle with a deformed back flipper into the water.

Niamh takes us on her journey around the world but she also takes us on her journey of self discovery. She finds her catalyst for self healing in the most unexpected place - culminating in the happy ending readers hope she finds.

What a journey !! What a life !! In Niamh’s own words ‘A Voyage around mind, around the world, around the heart’. A fitting sequel to Niamh’s previous novel ‘Flares Up. A story bigger than the Atlantic’.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of memoirs I’ve read focus on a woman’s finding her voice, but in Following Sunshine, author Niamh McAnally’s voice is confident and strong right from the start. A lifelong traveler and diehard adventurer, the Irish-born McAnally has lived all over the world and in between paying jobs, volunteered her time and talents in island nations including Belize and Fiji. Her willingness to work in hospitality, teach, cook, clean and crew on sailing voyages is a true testament to her joie de vivre and her enthusiasm for new experiences. Her story is truly a remarkable one and I found myself envying her minimalist lifestyle, all the while knowing that I could never reduce my worldly possessions to fit inside a backpack. Still, less is more...

Despite a loving family and friends literally everywhere, this Writer on the Water’s solitary existence and endless quest in pursuit of her passion occasionally left her questioning her life’s choices and second-guessing some of her decisions. I found her to be extremely self-aware and her confident voice echoed throughout as she shared the highs and lows of a life of solo travel and constant change.

The author’s stories were fresh and inspiring and I’m certain they served as a way in which she might not only share her joyful memories, but process the painful ones as well. McAnally’s tales of a life well-lived highlight a woman I found to be warm, loving and very brave. Five stars for Following Sunshine. Highly recommended

[Patrice McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niamh McAnally once taught Liam Neeson how to paddle a dug-out canoe “upriver” from the Falls of Iguazú in Argentina. That it isn’t her most memorable experience says a thing or two about her terrific, beautifully written memoir, FOLLOWING SUNSHINE. Now, I understand what led McAnally to write FLARE’S UP, the story of two British men who rowed (yes, rowed) the Atlantic: it was kindred spirithood. She grew up with the sound of the sea in her ears and was blessed with parents who taught her to relish risk and hunger for new experiences. We follow Niamh to Fiji, the Channel Islands, South Pacific Vanuatu, Tonga, and beyond, warmed by the sunshine she describes, warmed, most of all, by her indomitable spirit. McAnnally travels “because it tingles.” For the reader of FOLLOWING SUNSHINE, the thrill is vicarious. Still, Niamh McAnally may inspire an adventure beating deep in your heart, which is just what she hopes. And yes, she finds her sun-seeking, seafaring soul mate, the captain of the sailboat named (what else?) FREE SPIRIT. Pre-order on Amazon and read this soul-satisfying memoir.

[Sandy Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read an advanced copy of this and LOVED it. Unexpectedly moving and heartfelt with page after page of life lessons. A genre bending memoir- travel, self help, philosophy, adventure, romance… Vivid and distinct. Read it!

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following McAnally on her personal and global life journey left me feeling exhilarated and revived. Her escapades into exotic places and self-discovery are both inspiring and heartwarming. Reading her memoir was like a fast course in geography as she took me with her on an extraordinary exploration of places I can only dream about, living a life of total freedom - often off the grid. Many times I have thought about what that would be like. McAnally not only told me, she showed me with descriptive detail and honesty. Her insightful and moving tales had me wishing I could live two lives - the one I'm in and the daring, adventurous one she's experienced. Highly recommend.   

[Muriel Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the only problem is once I started reading, it was difficult to put down. Niamh takes you on a journey of her less than perfect childhood in Ireland, and all the way through her exciting and rich travels. I felt as though I was with her on the search for new adventures around the globe. Without any spoilers, her journey has an unexpected ending, that will make you smile.

Having read this book in just a couple of days, I am left wanting more. Hopefully Niamh is planning her next novel soon, and I will be first in line.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Following Sunshine, Niamh McAnally takes readers on an enthralling journey across diverse landscapes, from the lush jungles of Fiji to the serene beaches of Vanuatu. Through her travels—which span Nairobi, Vietnam, Saint Barthélemy, Fiji, Palau, and beyond—McAnally weaves a narrative rich in cultural insights and natural beauty. She vividly describes moments of connection with the world around her, such as participating in turtle conservation in Vanuatu or reflecting on local customs.

The memoir is more than a mere travelogue; it's an introspective look at McAnally's personal growth amid life's challenges, including dealing with loss, divorce, and financial struggles. Her expressive language enhances the narrative, painting scenes with phrases that capture the transition of seasons and emotions, like "As spring gave way to summer, daffodils and white-blossomed garlic were replaced by the bluebells of May." McAnally also delves into profound personal topics, such as child abuse and the uncertainty of the future, integrating these themes into her travel experiences. This blend of personal history with adventure provides a compelling backdrop for reflections on broader themes such as love, loss, and the human impact on ecosystems.

Following Sunshine resonates with those who have a zest for adventure and nature and readers interested in the introspective aspects of travel. McAnally's narrative invites us to explore a world of vibrant landscapes and rich textures, all while engaging with her contemplations on life and culture. This book is an invitation to experience the world through the eyes of a thoughtful and resilient explorer.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Following Sunshine” by Niamh McAnally is a beautifully written memoir of a traveling life. Born in Ireland and the daughter of two well-known actors (I googled!), she chose to live the life she had dreamed of—on the water and adventuring to so many places I can only dream of going. And what adventures she had! Thanks to this remarkable book, I feel that I too have taken a trip to places such as the Channel Islands, Bora Bora, Thailand, and Vietnam. I especially enjoyed reading about Niamh’s adventures during her “sabbatical year,” where she saw the world through volunteering—sometimes on a boat and sometimes doing other things, such as tutoring children. Even though the conditions were sometimes harsh (and even dangerous), the author was always cheerful and saw things on the bright side. She writes of occasions where she was unable to take a photo of something—that the window of the plane was too scratchy, or the light wasn’t good enough. But not only does Niamh have an incredible memory, but she also has the ability to render those memories into beautiful prose. My absolute favorite part of the book describes the photography course/tour she had taken to photograph the Northern Lights in Sweden. The tour was filled with surprises (a reindeer sandwich is one), but her description of the aura makes me feel as if I had also seen them. Personally, I hate the cold and can’t imagine going out in twenty-degrees below zero for fun. But she wrote, “...these images would be forever retained in the retinas of our minds, and that makes us incredibly lucky as the readers of this marvelous book.

[S.M. Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Sunshine is a self-discovery journey and love story wrapped up in travelogue paper. Follow Niamh through her life as she seeks the careers and relationships she thinks will define her and satisfy her. But her wanderlust is strong, and it’s through travel—and ultimately, on the water specifically—that she truly finds herself. The right career and true love follow.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel to remote, exotic locations, in particular the South Pacific, you’ll want to read this book. It’s much more fun to learn about these locales through McAnally’s true tales, which drip with flavor and sensation, than to read a dry article.

Through her travels, McAnally uncovers important insights about what makes her tick, including the startling realization that in some ways she has been sabotaging herself as a defense mechanism against childhood trauma. Her moments of revelation are told simply and honestly and in just the right amount—not overdone or overwrought as some narrators do.

McAnally’s writing is fluid and beautiful, as well as laugh-out-loud funny at times.

[Amanda Geard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about Niamh McAnally's Following Sunshine, not least of all her wonderful outlook on life. To say I was inspired by this memoir is an understatement; she really has had (and continues to have) an amazing and adventurous life. Few people see all the things Niamh's seen, and even fewer have the ability to put pen to paper and record their experiences with such beautiful vividity.

I loved so many quotes, but here are three I jotted in my notebook:

- 'Good work, done consistently over a long period of time, never goes unnoticed.' (An overnight success after 40 years!)
- 'Things didn’t make me happy, new places did.’ (And eventually it was a person!)
- And finally, Niamh's reflections on ‘who am I serving?’. I’ve thought about that a lot since, in my work, and also my writing. Who am I serving? It's a nice way to look at the every day.

A wonderful memoir I'll return to - Niamh’s sense of adventure, and her desire to always give back, has shown me that anything is possible.

[Jennifer Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I'm blown away by Niamh's writing. Maybe it's simply that the topics she chooses to write about are fascinating on their own merits, but she has an incredible way of drawing you in and forcing you to keep turning pages to find out what's going to happen next. I became so invested in her travels and adventures that I was inspired, while reading the book, to allow my attention to be diverted on two occasions. First, to watch the film documentary The Cove because she alerted the reader to the heartbreaking slaughter of dolphins in a little known area of Japan; and second, to see her beloved father in a movie with Jeremy Irons and Liam Neeson called The Mission.

As with her book Flares Up: a Story Bigger than the Atlantic, she evokes every emotion from you: laughter, tears, sorrow, joy, anxiety and incredible wonder. The descriptions of the places she visited and took photos of made me wish that she had included some pictures in this book as well. Maybe she could be convinced to do a coffee table book as her next project!

[Susan Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is a voyage around the mind, world, and heart. I love how Niamh transports us—not only does she take us to exotic places through vivid descriptions and perfect sensory detail, but with amazing wit and humor. Her decision to take a year to circumnavigate the globe as a volunteer was a daring and gutsy one. “But, I am not a Mother, and you know my name is not Teresa, so I’m not saying I chose to spend a year in service purely for the altruistic joy of it.”

I was expecting a travel memoir—but this book is much, much more. Her remarkable travel-work adventures show Niamh to be both brave and self-reliant, while at the same time—all too human in her sensitive vulnerability to people and places. For me, this is why the book is so relatable. The reader rides along on the waves of the author’s gusto and joie de vivre, and also bears witness to her self-growth and transformation. I never knew a travel memoir could be such a page-turner! Hat’s off to this remarkable author and globe trekker!!

[Abby Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even sure where to begin with this review. Niamh’s writing is truly captivating, drawing me in from the very first page and holding my attention until the end. Her openness and vulnerability in reflecting on her life experiences—the highs and lows—make for a compelling and inspiring read. The insights and lessons she shares feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.

I particularly admire her strength, both as a writer and as a person. Her portrayal of the family dynamics within her Irish family, relationships, trauma, and culture resonated with me quite deeply as someone with a similar upbringing. It felt cathartic to read.

Her vivid descriptions of the places she traveled to were incredible, transporting me right there with her. There’s plenty of travel inspiration woven into these pages, and to top it off, the love story at the end is the perfect finishing touch. I’m so glad I picked this up—an absolute must-read!

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one grabbed me from the first page. Niamh McAnally’s "Following Sunshine" is a one-of-a-kind memoir of one woman’s struggle with the loss of loved ones and self-esteem, her indefatigable methods of combatting her travails with humor, and the love she finds…not just with a soulmate, but ultimately with herself.

When she shares “I had no one left in this world who would love me unconditionally…” I had tears in my own eyes, pondering the mortality of my parents. I laughed aloud at her cultural faux pax in Hanoi, recalling the time I accidentally dropped my host mother’s underwear in the toilet on a homestay in Beijing. And the love? McAnally subtly reveals it like it so often happens…not at first sight, but through shared trials and experiences.

A helluva adventure captured in brilliant writing. 5 Stars all around!

[DL Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. While McAnally sets the reader firmly in the rumble seat as she voyages from one exotic locale to another, this is not a mere travel journal. The narrative shifts seamlessly between external observation and introspection, as the author explores the impact of beautiful landscapes, traveling mishaps, and wonderous adventures on her sense of self and her place in the world. Her bracing honesty about her experiences, including childhood trauma and broken relationships, provides a narrative throughline of self-discovery and acceptance. That’s why my favorite chapter is near the end, when she and her sailing partner forge a deeper connection while working as a team to navigate through very tricky waters. This scene couldn’t have happened any earlier in the story. And what a story it is!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have SUCH an excellent book to recommend to you today! (and click through to read our author interview!)

Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart, by traveler extraordinaire Niamh McAnally, is equal parts travel, hope, hard work, compassion, and life wisdom.

One of the many things I loved most about this book is the way that McAnally approaches travel: as vital, as part of a larger global community, and as an intercultural experience. By combining volunteering with travel, she can truly make an impact, both on herself and the communities she volunteers with.

And, of course, life (and travel) is all about humility, learning, growing, love, and being open to new experiences. I'm so glad I read this book.

Highly, highly recommended.

https://www.wanderingeducators.com/bo...

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, not yet listed on Goodreads.

I discovered Niamh McAnally and Following Sunshine while listening the podcast Penny for Your Shots: Conversations (and Cocktails) with Brilliant Women.

As Penny interviewed the author, I knew I wanted to listen to her book on audio. Her soothing Irish accent and wise words made me feel like I was receiving sage advice from a beloved aunt or enlightened older sister.

McAnally's memoir chronicles not only her life experiences, but also how her travels around the world shaped who she has been become. I love that she stresses that importance of following your gut and staying curious to ask the right questions.

She'll inspire you to follow your own sunshine, making your own mistakes along the way.

I'm now looking forward to digging in to her backlist title, Flares Up.

[Travis Tougaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niamh McAnally’s Following Sunshine is a must-read memoir. The narrative follows the author’s parallel journeys as a world traveler — first as a volunteer worker in far-flung destinations, then as the crew on a sailboat — and on a journey of self discovery.

The best travel writing does more than provide a description of places: it grounds those descriptions in a historical and cultural context and uses a sense of place as a means of revealing the author’s sense of self. This type of writing can be a tall order, but Following Sunshine expertly navigates these waters, producing a story that is informative, funny, and touching. Whether it’s riding the Scary Ferry in Tonga, sitting in traffic in Vietnam, or making a treacherous crossing of the Gulf Stream current, McAnally’s sharp writing, wit, and keen insights keep the story moving in compelling fashion. I highly recommend this read!

[Lisa Orban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Sunshine is an intimate, honest portrait of a life unfolding with one enriching discovery after another. We follow McAnally to remote and exotic destinations that test her courage and grow her resilience. At the same time, she doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of her past: sexual abuse, grief, body image, divorce and depression. Her extraordinary journey culminates with finding unexpected love, for another and herself. As a psychologist, I believe stories like McAnally’s need to be heard—not only to promote a better understanding of experiences such as complex trauma and unresolved grief, but also to shine a light on the healing, transformative power of self-forgiveness, acceptance and compassion.

[Amanda Jaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niamh McAnally's Following Sunshine is a wonderful adventure from Ireland to Bora Bora to Thailand to Florida and beyond. McAnally visits many places but wants to be more than just a tourist, so she volunteers with families and small businesses around the world. Thus, the reader gets to know these locales in more depth than many travelogues. She also shares insights about her personal growth and change as she experiences the world. As someone who loves to travel, it was fun to read about places I may never get to myself, and McAnally writes with a color and verve that brings our diverse world to life. Whether you're a real-world or armchair traveler, this book will entertain and inspire you.

[D.L. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes McAnally's memoir, Following Sunshine, exceptional is her adventurous spirit and courage to overcome. She takes us on a lifelong journey around the world in search of love, healing, connectedness, and purpose. Using all of her senses, we get to experience off-the-beaten-path destinations most of us will never visit—Belize, Tonga, Vanuatu, Palau, and the list goes on. Her commitment to global volunteerism is driven by a need to give back to the people she works and lives with—an authentic calling. I felt truly honored to be part of her journey as she dealt with a deep childhood trauma and found her way to lasting love. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but mostly, you'll be inspired. Highly recommend to all.

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love tropical beaches and snorkeling—but unlike author Niamh McAnally, I am not a risk-taker. With Finding Sunshine, I enjoyed the vicarious thrill of riding along on Niamh’s travel adventures, visiting remote islands, imagining myself in the beautiful exotic settings—while content to witness the more harrowing scenes from the comfort of my reading chair.

In the later chapters, when the story takes a turn and the narrator opens up to emotional connection for reasons that are gradually and skillfully revealed, I in turn connected more deeply to this book. In the end, it’s not just a compelling travelogue but also a warm and moving exploration of the mind and, above all, the heart.

[Christopher Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to think about life differently and walk away changed. Following Sunshine is more than a memoir; it’s a guide for living honestly, courageously, and following one’s own sunshine. Author Niamh McAnally doesn’t have it all figured out, and she’ll be the first to tell you in this collection of tales and anecdotes that add up to something much more than a book. One moment, I found myself laughing aloud, another wiping away a tear, and still another, nodding in admiration. The written words are in a beautiful order and are powerful. So, when you’re ready to lay on sail, prepare for the trip of a lifetime in this epic voyage.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life Niamh has lived. From her roots in Ireland to her vast travels around the world. She is one courageous and resilient person. She shares so openly about her highs and lows in life which draws you in to the story. At the end of a chapter I hated to put it down as I longed to discover what her next adventure would be. I felt like I was there with her in every hair raising experience or joyous occasion. Not going to lie, I shed a few tears near the end❤️
I highly recommend reading this book.

[Karen Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Sunshine is the perfect title for this powerful, intimate, engrossing memoir. It opens with a heart thumping bang. The writing is lush, the locales rich in detail, and Niamh's adventures and generosity inspiring. The hurt little girl inside is blessed with an amazing woman who is healing while making her way in the world. -- Karen E. Osborne, award-winning author of True Grace and Reckonings.

[Julie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read!! As the story reveals itself you ride along in the sunshine learning and growing. Her writing style is quite readable and her depth of character development just lays it all out there. What she is experiencing you are experiencing. I’ve never sailed but her descriptions of it make me want to and not want to both at the same time. I really enjoyed her journey to find herself and love.

[Donald Kerndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed thoroughly! Traveling through the pages of Niamh life was an amazing adventure. Her personal insight into her own life as well as the lives of others was thought provoking and captivating.
I will never see most of the places Niamh visited but feel in many ways that I traveled with her. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life and story! (Sue)

[Regina Buttner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why wait one more day to be happy?" This quote from Following Sunshine struck home in both my head and my heart. Thanks to Niamh McAnally's wise and wonderful memoir of her serendipitous travels around the globe, I was inspired to dust off my own long-neglected bucket list, and am eagerly planning my next life adventure!

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so exciting to travel vicariously with Niamh McAnally, learning from her numerous adventures. Her memoir is a captivating story of resilience, self-discovery, and love. Following Sunshine is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to chase their dreams, embrace adventure, and find purpose – all while getting a glimpse of paradise.